Ethereum staking has just become more accessible than ever. With the recent integration of Kiln pooled staking into Ledger Live, users can now stake any amount of ETH and start earning rewards—no 32 ETH minimum required.
This marks a major milestone in the evolution of decentralized finance, opening the door for everyday holders to participate in network validation and earn passive income securely through their Ledger devices.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start earning rewards with your ETH today.
What Is Pooled Staking?
Pooled staking allows multiple users to combine their ETH into a shared pool to meet the 32 ETH threshold required to activate a validator on the Ethereum network. Instead of going solo or relying on liquid staking derivatives, users contribute any amount they choose and receive proportional rewards based on their share of the pool.
This model removes one of the biggest barriers to entry in Ethereum staking: capital concentration. Now, whether you have 0.1 ETH or 10 ETH, you can earn staking rewards without compromising security or decentralization.
Kiln’s new offering through Ledger Live brings this functionality directly to hardware wallet users—ensuring that private keys remain offline and fully under user control at all times.
“Staking is an indispensable function of many public, permissionless blockchains that allows users to participate in network governance and protect themselves from inflation.”
— Jean-François Rochet, VP, International Development at Ledger
Why Pooled Staking Matters Now
Since Ethereum's shift to proof-of-stake, staking has become a core mechanism for securing the network and earning yield. However, traditional native staking requires a full 32 ETH (valued at thousands of dollars), which excludes most retail investors.
Meanwhile, liquid staking solutions like Lido offer flexibility but introduce risks—especially around depeg events, smart contract vulnerabilities, and centralization concerns due to concentrated control over validator keys.
Pooled staking strikes a balance:
- ✅ No minimum stake amount
- ✅ Full custody via hardware wallet
- ✅ No transferable tokens (avoiding depeg risk)
- ✅ Decentralized and secure infrastructure
Laszlo Szabo, CEO at Kiln, emphasized this democratizing effect:
“Today, our staking pool launch within the Ledger ecosystem takes a significant step toward further democratizing staking, enabling all ETH holders to securely stake any amount using their Ledger devices.”
With this integration, Ledger users gain access to a complete staking experience—including secure deposits, dedicated validator deployment, and real-time reward tracking via the Ledger Earn dashboard.
How Does Kiln Pooled Staking Work?
Kiln operates as a validator-as-a-service provider, meaning it handles the technical complexity of running validators while users retain full ownership of their funds through non-custodial wallets.
Here’s how it works:
- You select “Pooled Staking” in Ledger Live.
- Your ETH is grouped with other users’ deposits to form a full 32 ETH validator.
- Kiln activates the validator and manages uptime, slashing protection, and node operations.
- Rewards are distributed proportionally based on your contribution.
- All activity is visible in your Ledger interface with transparent reporting.
During the initial bootstrapping phase, rewards may fluctuate between 0% and 4% due to validator queue delays and pool liquidity adjustments. The current entry queue sits at approximately 1 day and 15 hours, which is expected to shorten as adoption grows.
👉 Start earning staking rewards with just a few clicks—no minimum required.
Comparing Your Ethereum Staking Options
Not sure which staking method fits your goals? Here’s a breakdown of the three main approaches available today:
Solo Staking
Ideal for advanced users with 32+ ETH who want full control over their validator. Requires either self-hosting a node or using a trusted service like Kiln’s solo staking option. Offers maximum decentralization but higher technical overhead.
Liquid Staking
Best for traders and DeFi users who want liquidity. You deposit ETH and receive a token (like stETH) that represents your stake and can be used across protocols. However, this introduces counterparty risk and potential depegging during market stress.
Pooled Staking
Perfect for security-conscious holders who want to earn rewards without locking up large sums or accepting synthetic assets. Combines accessibility with non-custodial security—especially powerful when paired with a Ledger device.
Getting Started with Pooled Staking on Ledger Live
Ready to put your ETH to work? Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Ledger Live app and connect your Ledger Nano device.
- Go to Accounts → Ethereum.
- Click Stake in the top-left corner.
- Choose Pooled Staking with Kiln.
- Enter the amount of ETH you’d like to stake.
- Confirm the transaction on your device.
That’s it! Your ETH will be added to the pool, and you’ll begin accruing rewards once the validator enters the active set.
For detailed visual guidance, refer to Ledger’s official support documentation—but remember, the process is designed to be intuitive and secure from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I unstake my ETH anytime?
A: Unstaking follows Ethereum’s withdrawal rules. Once initiated, it may take several days to weeks depending on network conditions. Full withdrawals are subject to queue times.
Q: Are there slashing risks?
A: While rare, validators can be penalized (slashed) for malicious behavior or prolonged downtime. Kiln employs advanced monitoring and redundancy systems to minimize this risk.
Q: Is pooled staking available for U.S. users?
A: Unfortunately, due to regulatory restrictions, U.S.-based users cannot currently access Kiln’s pooled staking service through Ledger Live.
Q: How are rewards calculated?
A: Rewards are distributed proportionally based on your share of the total pool. Factors include network issuance rate, validator performance, and uptime.
Q: Do I need internet-connected hardware?
A: No. Your private keys stay offline on your Ledger device. Only signed transactions go online—keeping your assets secure.
Q: Will I get a token for my staked ETH?
A: No—unlike liquid staking, pooled staking does not issue transferrable tokens. This eliminates depeg risk and keeps your holdings native to Ethereum.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Accessible Staking
The launch of Kiln’s pooled staking on Ledger Live represents a pivotal moment in making Ethereum participation truly inclusive. By removing artificial capital barriers while preserving security and decentralization, it empowers every ETH holder—regardless of portfolio size—to contribute to network health and earn passive income.
As adoption grows and pool liquidity stabilizes, reward consistency will improve, making this an increasingly attractive option for long-term holders.
Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned investor looking for safer yield opportunities, pooled staking offers a compelling middle ground between full self-sovereignty and financial accessibility.
👉 Join thousands of users already earning rewards on their ETH—get started now.
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